Childminder in Sunderland

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY301653 Inspection date 21 September 2005 Inspector Marilyn Besford

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality of childcare and, if applicable, of nursery education. The inspection was carried out under Part XA Children Act 1989 as introduced by the Care Standards Act 2000 and, where nursery education is provided, under Schedule 26 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004; the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding; and, where nursery education is provided, the Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage. The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration or 1 April 2004 whichever is the later.

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough For more information about early years inspections, please see the booklet Are you ready for your inspection? which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in March 2005. She lives with her husband and two children, aged 3 and 8 years, in Houghton le Spring. The whole of the ground floor, the bathroom and one bedroom on the first floor of the house are used for childminding. There is an enclosed back garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for five children and currently is caring for one child under 5 years of age. She attends local toddler groups and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is well-safeguarded because the childminder follows good hygiene and health care practices. They are protected from the risks of cross infection because the childminder pays careful attention to standards of cleanliness in her home. She keeps play areas and play materials clean and has safe, hygienic facilities for nappy changing and disposal. The children's understanding of personal hygiene is being promoted through the childminder's good practice such as cleaning hands with baby wipes before having a snack. The day-to-day health care needs of the children are met effectively because the childminder knows about the importance of having written permission and instructions about giving medication and keeping records of medication and any accidents. However she does not have written permission from parents to seek advice or treatment in an emergency. Children benefit from a healthy, varied diet because the childminder is well-informed

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Helping children to be healthy

about healthy eating for children. They enjoy fresh fruit and vegetables, with meals, snacks and drinks provided regularly depending on the child's needs, activities and routines. Children's independent eating skills are supported well because the childminder offers food in manageable portions and has suitable cutlery which helps children develop a proper grip. Children's health is promoted well because good attention is paid to their physical care needs. Children can rest and sleep according to individual needs. Active play indoors and outdoors is part of the daily routine. Using large and small equipment gives exercise and helps children to develop movement skills, coordination and control.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a very safe, well-organised environment, with space for all types of activity. They are able to move around freely and safely with independent access to toys and play materials because these are stored at a low level in various containers. The materials are good quality, maintained in good condition and are suitable for the age and stage of development of the child cared for, which ensures that they are safe for each child. Children are safeguarded because the childminder has a good awareness of safety. She pays careful attention to minimising risks for children inside and outside her home. She uses safety equipment appropriately and revises the precautions she takes as children grow and develop. Children are supervised well and, as a result, are able to play and move around safely. They are beginning to develop their own understanding of safety, with support and encouragement, in the childminder's home

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 and on walks in the local area. The childminder's clear understanding of her responsibilities regarding child protection means that children are kept safe from possible abuse or neglect. She knows the procedure to follow if she were to have any concerns about a child's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well and are relaxed and comfortable in the childminder's home. They benefit from warm and affectionate interaction with her. Lots of smiles, eye contact and conversation contribute to building confidence and a sense of security. The childminder's good understanding of how children learn and develop means that their care and play experiences meet their needs very effectively and their overall development is promoted well. Enjoyable and stimulating play opportunities provide children with good levels of interest and challenge. As a result, all aspects of children's development are encouraged, such as physical skills through using climbing, riding and pushing toys, and language skills, through conversations and enjoying books and stories. Children are well supported by the childminder as she plays and talks with them and their needs are well catered for because she plans and organises the daily routine

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated as individuals. Their varying and special needs are met effectively because the childminder works in partnership with parents and others involved in the child's care and finds out about their specific routines and care needs. For example, the childminder ensures that a child can have ready access to his particular comfort objects when he needs, to help him feel secure. Children benefit because the childminder and parents work together, sharing information about their development so that they can help them make progress. The childminder's respect for children's different backgrounds and cultures and her sound understanding of equal opportunities ensure that children feel valued and included. A good range of play materials encourages children to enjoy non-gender stereotyped play. They are beginning to learn about being part of the local community on walks and using local facilities. However, they have limited access to

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Helping children make a positive contribution

play materials which reflect the diversity of the wider world. Children show a strong sense of belonging and security with the childminder, looking to her confidently with smiles, for reassurance and comfort. From a young age, children enjoy being able to make simple choices, such as choosing toys and helping tidy them away into accessible storage, enhancing their independence. They behave

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 well because the childminder is positive and consistent, with secure boundaries providing stability. They respond with pleasure when given praise and encouragement.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are happy and benefit from the well-organised, child friendly environment. Carefully considered use of play space, indoors and outdoors, and attention to health and safety mean that children can move around freely and develop independence. Planned but flexible daily routines contribute to children receiving individual care and taking part in an enjoyable range of activities, promoting their welfare and helping them to make good progress. A well organised system of record-keeping and the sharing of information by talking with parents mean the childminder has the relevant information to meet the child's needs, contribute to continuity of care for them and promote their development. Children's welfare is promoted by the childminder's clear understanding of her responsibilities, her consideration of individual care needs and her commitment to developing her skills and knowledge. She keeps up to date with current

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Organisation

qualifications, for example in first aid, and considers what future training might help to further develop her provision for children. Overall, the provision meets the needs of children who attend well.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • improve children's access to resources reflecting the diversity of the wider world • request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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